NPB Bullet Points (2008/11/09)

The Japan Series has just ended, but the off-season is already in full swing. Here are some highlights for today.

Japanese Articles:

Kenshin Kawakami is having a hard time making up his mind whether he wants to move to MLB or another team in Japan. My money would be on MLB, but it’s worth noting that after becoming a free agent, Hiroki Kuroda signed a 4-year deal with an opt-out clause that allowed him to move to MLB, which he later exercised.

Hiroshima Carp owner Hajime Matsuda has pitcher Ken Takahashi that there will be a place for him with the Carp after he retires. The 39 year-old Takahashi is eligible for free agency and eyeing a move to the majors. He’s coming off a solid year and could be a bullpen lefty for someone.

News from Taiwan: Yokohama is working out China Trust Whales lefty Yu-Chieh Shen. La New also played an exhibition series against the Yomiuri Giants farm team. Game 2 featured the Giants’ shockingly young Taiwanese farmhands.

Question for readers: a lot of my content is sourced from Sanspo, Sponichi, and Nikkan Sports, though I keep an eye on a number of other outlets. Are there any other resources, English or Japanese, that I should have my eye on?

That’s good to hear on Gary Burnham, he had a nice season in Japan and from what I heard on East Windup Chronicle he’s always wanted to play in Japan. If he adapts I think he be a excellent player. All in all, I wish him good luck during the tryouts and hope he makes. Burnham sounds like a great guy.

[…] Kawakami is poised to make a move from Chunichi, but still undecided on whether to jump over to MLB or find a new employer in Japan. Hanshin is gearing up to make the first move by offering Kawakami a 4-year, 1.8B yen ($18M) deal. […]